Kent Donor News - Spring 2021

Jane Irons PhD Scholarships Page 2

Kent Opportunity Fund Page 3

Barry Wright legacy Page 4

Donor News Bringing you the latest news from the Development Office at the University of Kent

Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship It was his love for Italian Renaissance art and, especially, a passion for Raphael’s frescoes in the Vatican Palace which led Kostas Gravanis to study at Kent.

“When I first found out that the University offered a Master’s programme in History of Art with a term in Rome, the decision to come to Kent for my studies was instant!”

Thanks to generous funding from alumni via the Kent Opportunity Fund, Kostas was granted an Alumni Postgraduate Research Scholarship and was able to undertake two years of study for his PhD based at the Canterbury campus and a year in Rome.

“Rome is an extremely lively city with overwhelming history and culture waiting for you in every street and every corner. The greatest highlight was certainly my first visit to Raphael’s Stanze and the Sistine Chapel, a truly unmatched experience.”

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Kent Opportunity Fund

Spring 2021

2 University of Kent Development Office

News

1 Dr John Stolz, Dr Jen Hiscock and Professor Michelle Garrett sign the Jane Irons Scholarships Gift Agreement

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“The Alumni Postgraduate Research Scholarship enabled me to undertake the PhD of my dreams as a full-time student.

It not only helped me to fully focus on my research but it also gave me the opportunity to gain teaching experience.

“Receiving such an award fills you with both pride and humbleness, but it also creates a sense of responsibility towards the University’s donors for producing innovative research outcomes of the highest quality.

“I cannot thank you enough!”

Kostas Gravanis

Biosciences at Kent The School of Biosciences’ acclaimed research promotes the understanding of human diseases and how living systems can be of benefit to human society.

Research is focused on biological processes at the molecular and cellular level and spans the disciplines of biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology and biomedical research.

The five main research themes within the School are: • Cancer and ageing • Cellular architecture and dynamics • Industrial biotechnology • Infectious diseases • Evolution, reproduction and genome organisation.

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Jane Irons PhD Scholarships to support Research at Kent The School of Biosciences at the University of Kent is celebrating after receiving a gift of £150,000 to fund two three-year PhD Studentships.

Dr John Stolz, who retired recently following a successful career in publishing, has given the donation to fund important research in areas of bioscience where funding is otherwise difficult to source. His donations will fund a series of research projects under the Jane Irons PhD Scholarships – named in honour of John Stolz’ late wife and business partner.

Dr Campbell Gourlay, Director of Research at the School of Biosciences said:

“This extraordinarily generous gift from John Stolz will be invaluable in sustaining Kent’s place among the world’s leading research centres.”

Funding began this year with research being carried out in two distinct fields of study, looking into ‘The Worm-bug: a new model to study how microbes affect the brain’, and ‘Supramolecular Self-associating Amphiphiles (SSAs) as novel enhancers of cancer treatment’.

Dr John Stolz said:

“It is a pleasure to be able to support this work. Fundamental research is often neglected in favour of research that provides more immediate and obvious benefits.

However, we need to recognise that the modern world is based on research that, at the time, appeared to have no apparent nor obvious application. My late wife and I built our business in scientific publishing and communications and I am grateful for the opportunity to, in a small way, encourage fundamental science.”

Professor Michelle Garrett said:

“Dr Jennifer Hiscock (School of Physical Sciences) and I are delighted to be awarded a Jane Irons Scholarship for the project ‘Supramolecular Self-associating Amphiphiles (SSAs) as novel enhancers of cancer treatment’. This innovative multidisciplinary research project will provide the PhD student with a unique set of chemistry and biology skills, giving them expanded career opportunities across the boundaries of these two disciplines and has the potential to deliver significant impact in the field of cancer research.”

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Emergency Covid Fund update To date, thanks to the incredible generosity of donors to the Kent Opportunity Fund (KOF), we have provided over 250 laptops to students who would otherwise have difficulty in accessing their studies online. These laptops are being awarded to students who are impacted by the ‘digital divide’ due to personal circumstances, for example low-income households, care leavers, estranged students etc.

Director of Student Services Lucy Foley said:

“The response from our alumni and other donors has been fantastic. We can’t thank them enough. With all of the other problems facing everyone during the pandemic it is wonderful that so many people have given so generously to help Kent students stay on track.”

Laptop recipient quotes:

“I am writing to confirm the receipt of my beautiful HP laptop and bag. I am all set for a new beginning: an opportunity I never had. Thank you very much, I am very grateful.”

“I am so happy to receive good news from you about the success of my laptop request.

I would like to use this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and your team for working so hard to support us in these hard times. This support is timely for me and very helpful to support me in my studies and research. I am most grateful to you all.”

As well as laptops, the Kent Covid Hardship Fund provides hardship grants to students whose financial difficulties are affecting their studies and wellbeing.

If you would like to support the Kent Covid Hardship Fund please email us on giving@kent.ac.uk or write to: Kent Opportunity Fund, Rutherford Annexe, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NX

4 University of Kent Development Office

The Barry Wright legacy A generous gift to support scholarships at Kent and enhance the musical experiences of the future

Barry Wright completed a Diploma in Christian Theology and Ministry as a mature student in the School of European Culture and Languages, graduating in 2003. He enjoyed visiting the University after completing his studies and attended a number of events including the opening of the Colyer-Fergusson Building and the Benefactors’ Garden Party.

Planned Giving Officer, Jenny Richardson said:

“The planned gift Barry has provided means we are able to further enhance the lives of students eligible for a Kent Opportunity Research Scholarship as well as continue to support the extra-curricular musical endeavours of our students”.

Dan Harding, Head of Music Performance, commented:

“The legacy is a wonderful gift that will allow the Music department to continue to develop and enrich the lives of students, staff and members of the local community who take part in its activities each academic year.”

It is thanks to support such as this that we are able to create opportunities for our students that they may otherwise never encounter.

Legacy gifts, no matter the size, can have a significant impact on students’ lives from receipt of awards to the improved student experience when using new equipment or buildings. Gifts can have a long-lasting effect not only on students’ attainment during their time at Kent, but also on their progression through life.

Legacy Giving If you would like to find out more about supporting the University of Kent through a planned legacy gift, Jenny Richardson, Planned Giving Officer, would be pleased to discuss matters in confidence on 01227 823588 or email giving@kent.ac.uk

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The University of Kent is very grateful to have received a generous legacy from the late Barry Wright. During his lifetime, Barry kindly supported both the Kent Opportunity Fund and the Music Department at the University; through his legacy his support of these areas will continue in to the future.